2023 has been a jam-packed year for VALORANT Game Changers EMEA that’s seen dozens of close games between the region’s best, culminating in a commendable showing on the global stage for our region.
We haven't relented in our commitment to providing consistent opportunities for women in VALORANT esports. Our priority is to see even more women regularly competing in Challengers and VCT EMEA. We've been delighted to witness players like ‘devilasxa’, ‘didii’, and ‘Thu’ take this next step, and we believe this will become more common in the years to come.
Today we’d like to go through next year’s format which will now see 10 teams at the very top and the brand new Game Changers EMEA Kickoff begin the year. Also read on for the key dates to keep track of throughout the year, and details on global qualification for next year’s VALORANT Game Changers Championship!
Vision & Format
Game Changers EMEA Kickoff
2024 will start with the Game Changers EMEA Kickoff, which consists of an Open Qualifier (OQ) and a Closed Qualifier (CQ). The OQ will take place first, and will see 128 teams compete in a single elimination bracket for four spots in the CQ.
The CQ will then pit these four against a selection of the top teams from last year’s VCT Game Changers EMEA Stage 3 to compete in a double elimination bracket, all Bo3, with the top 8 qualifying for the first stage of 2024.
Game Changers EMEA & EMEA Contenders
VCT Game Changers EMEA Stage 1 will see those eight teams joined by two invited teams - BBL Queens and G2 Gozen, who represented the region on the global stage in São Paulo for the Game Changers Championship in 2023!
When considering our goals for Game Changers in 2024, we wanted to increase visibility for our players as we aim to see them move beyond Game Changers into mixed-gender rosters. By changing the tournament structure for Game Changers EMEA to a 10 teams format, we ensure the highest level of competition and a brighter spotlight on the players and their stories. This will make EMEA Contenders full of teams hungry to be promoted and go further.
The two last placed teams of the group stage at each stage will be relegated to Contenders, where 30 other teams will stand between them and promotion back into Game Changers EMEA. The 32 teams will consist of teams invited from regional tournaments, those that secured their place via OQs, and the two relegated teams. Only the two best teams from the 32 competing will be promoted to Game Changers EMEA for Stage 2.
With these changes we wanted to solidify Contenders as a prestigious tournament all participating players should be proud to compete in whilst being challenged to play their very best. Expect to see more co-streams of Contenders in 2024 alongside more watchable key moments from stars across the tournament.
This entire process repeats for Stage 2 before the eventual winners are decided in Stage 3.
Open Qualifiers: Rules, Requirements, and Sign Up Windows
All players participating in OQs must be ranked Platinum 1 or above either at the time of registration, or during the preceding act. No team participating in the OQ may add or drop players from their roster whilst it’s taking place.
If you wish to participate in the Open Qualifiers, remember these days to sign up:
- January 12th to 23rd for the Kickoff
- March 2nd to 13th for the first OQ
- June 8th to June 19th for the second OQ
Additionally, there will be a Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) sign up window:
- March 9th to 20th for the first
- June 15th to 26th for the second
The LCQ will be open to all, with teams who qualify through the OQ having a higher seed. The OQ will always have the same number of slots for Contenders, whilst the LCQ will differ depending on spots remaining for each Stage. Spots remaining will primarily depend on the outcome of regional tournaments and the status of relegated teams going into the qualifiers. Please note that the LCQ dates are currently subject to change.
All players must ensure that they complete player verification which requires players to fill out a verification request form and share information with a trained team member via Discord.
Further details on this and where to sign up will be shared in due course via our social media channels.
Game Changers EMEA 2024: Key Dates
The OQ for the Kickoff will take place from January 26th to 28th whilst the CQ will run from February 3rd to 4th.
VCT Game Changers EMEA then begins in February, and will consist of three Stages throughout the year:
VCT Game Changers EMEA Stage 1:
- February 16th - March 11th
- Group Stage: February 16th - 27th
- Play Offs: March 4th - 11th
VCT Game Changers EMEA Contenders will consist of two Stages starting in March and July, which will follow the Open Qualifiers that feed into this competition. The dates for this can be found below:
VCT Game Changers EMEA Contenders Stage 1:
- March 30th - April 7th
VCT Game Changers EMEA Contenders Stage 2:
- July 6th - 14th
Game Changers EMEA 2024: Global Qualification
The Game Changers Championship is the pinnacle of international Game Changers competition. Qualifying for the tournament will remain the same as in 2023. The first team to represent EMEA on the global stage will be the winner of the final Stage of the year in September, and the second will be decided by which team has accumulated the most circuit points throughout the year.
Game Changers EMEA 2024: Further Updates
Be sure to keep an eye on our social channels (@valesports_emea) for further updates as the start of Game Changers EMEA 2024 draws closer, including news on our new registration platform!
